The AccelerateMS Ecosystem approach is designed to develop and improve strategies that meet the unique needs of specific regions within the state. We seek to maximize proven practices delivered at local “micro” levels, while addressing “macro” concerns in an effort to meet the current and emergent needs of Mississippi's workforce.
Each ecosystem has a dedicated AccelerateMS team member, who serves as the central point of contact within their sphere of influence. Each ecosystem routinely reviews labor market data, supply chain needs, available educational and training resources, and regional/community assets in an effort to more accurately meet needs in real time. Regular meetings with ecosystem stakeholders encourage collaboration and promote the development of workforce strategies focused on the needs of each specific ecosystem.
![Ecosystem-health Ecosystem-health](https://acceleratems.org/wp-content/uploads/Ecosystem-health.png)
![Ecosystem-Map Ecosystem-Map](https://acceleratems.org/wp-content/uploads/Ecosystem-Map-661x1024.png)
![Courtney Courtney](https://acceleratems.org/wp-content/uploads/Courtney-2.png)
Dr. Courtney Taylor
Executive Director
![Alexander Alexander](https://acceleratems.org/wp-content/uploads/Alexander.png)
Ben Alexander
Research Analyst
![Yolanda Yolanda](https://acceleratems.org/wp-content/uploads/Yolanda.png)
Yolonda Boone
Senior Advisor
![Forrest Forrest](https://acceleratems.org/wp-content/uploads/Forrest.png)
Forrest Bryan
Coordinator - Ecosystem 2
Krystle Culver
Coordinator - Ecosystem 7
![Kim Kim](https://acceleratems.org/wp-content/uploads/Kim.png)
Kimberley Gatewood
Coordinator - Ecosystem 3
![Erin Erin](https://acceleratems.org/wp-content/uploads/Erin.png)
Erin Gordon
Industry Engagement Manager
![Ed Ed](https://acceleratems.org/wp-content/uploads/Ed.png)
Ed Hargrove
Federal Projects Manager
![Daniel Daniel](https://acceleratems.org/wp-content/uploads/Daniel.png)
Daniel Hawthorne
Communications Manager
![Shelika Shelika](https://acceleratems.org/wp-content/uploads/Shelika.png)
Shelika Hooker
Director of Grants Management
![Jennifer Jennifer](https://acceleratems.org/wp-content/uploads/Jennifer.png)
Jennifer Levingston
Coordinator - Ecosystem 1
![Garrett Garrett](https://acceleratems.org/wp-content/uploads/Garrett.png)
Garrett McInnis
Deputy Director for External Affairs
![Mary-Ann Mary-Ann](https://acceleratems.org/wp-content/uploads/Mary-Ann.png)
Mary Ann Myers
Chief Operations Officer
![Lori Lori](https://acceleratems.org/wp-content/uploads/Lori.png)
Lori Nail
Youth Programs Manger
![LeAnne LeAnne](https://acceleratems.org/wp-content/uploads/LeAnne.png)
LeAnne Nixon
Adult Programs Manger
![Trey Trey](https://acceleratems.org/wp-content/uploads/Trey.png)
Trey Smith
Director of Talent Solutions
![Cliff Cliff](https://acceleratems.org/wp-content/uploads/Cliff.png)
Dr. Cliff Thames
Director of Data and Insights
![Kari Kari](https://acceleratems.org/wp-content/uploads/Kari.png)
Kari Thomas
Project Manager
![Bree Bree](https://acceleratems.org/wp-content/uploads/Bree.png)
Bree Wheeler
Executive Assistant
![Tracy Tracy](https://acceleratems.org/wp-content/uploads/Tracy.png)
Tracy Yanez
Coordinator - Ecosystem 8
Join the team!
You can directly impact statewide workforce training and development initiatives and strategies.